Journey back to the golden era of television as we delve into the captivating legacy of Friends, the beloved show that brought six young adults together in the heart of New York City from 1994 to 2004.
This iconic series not only left an indelible mark on our lives, shaping everything from fashion to language, but it also introduced us to the unforgettable characters who became part of our own stories.
But what about the real lives of the stars who breathed life into them? As the series drew to a close, their salaries skyrocketed into the millions, granting them a life of luxury.
The cast of Friends shares a final moment in Monica’s apartment during the emotional series finale (Credit: The WB Television Network)
From humble beginnings with a paycheck of $22,500 per episode, their journey culminated in an astonishing $1 million per episode for the last seasons, securing their position as the highest-paid TV actors of their time.
Remarkably, even after the show’s conclusion in 2004, Warner Brothers still receives approximately $1 billion annually in syndication royalties, a portion of which continues to shower the six core actors with around $20 million each year.
The cast of Friends celebrates their success at the 54th Emmy Awards, where they were honored for their outstanding work on the iconic television series (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Let’s step into a world of nostalgia, where we unveil the net worth of the Friends stars and catch up with their current personal and professional pursuits.
1. Jennifer Aniston: From Rachel Green to a $320 Million Icon
Jennifer Aniston, who towers 5 feet and 4¾ inches (164.5 cm), brought Rachel Green to life, the best friend of Monica Geller and the love interest of Ross Geller. Rachel transformed from a shopaholic runaway bride to a powerhouse with a coveted job at Ralph Lauren.
By 2003, she had become one of the highest-paid actresses. Following her iconic role in Friends, Jennifer delivered laughter in memorable films like Marley & Me, Horrible Bosses, We’re the Millers, and Murder Mystery.
Jennifer Aniston became a household name with her role as Rachel Green on Friends, and she has since starred in numerous dramas, comedies, and romantic comedies (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages / Warner Bros. TV)
She embraced dramatic roles in indie hits like Cake and The Yellow Birds. In 2019, she captivated viewers alongside Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell in Apple TV’s The Morning Show, earning her a staggering $1.25 million per episode, an Emmy nomination, and a Screen Actors Guild Award win.
Lisa Kudrow is the tallest among the female Friends stars at 5 feet 8 inches (172.7 cm), followed by Courteney Cox at 5 feet 5 inches (165.1 cm), and Jennifer Aniston is the shortest at 5 feet 4 ¾ inches (164.5 cm) (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer also made headlines with her high-profile marriages to Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005 and Justin Theroux from 2015 to 2018.
2. Courteney Cox: Monica Geller’s Success and a $150 Million Fortune
Courteney Cox, who is 5 feet and 5 inches (165.1 cm) tall, flawlessly embodied the role of the meticulous chef Monica Geller. Her path ultimately led her to Chandler Bing, and their story culminated in the birth of twins and a decision to move to the suburbs.
Courteney’s net worth has reached a remarkable $150 million thanks to her iconic role as Monica. Beyond Friends, her career trajectory might not be surprising as her success story continued.
Courteney Cox has continued to expand her TV and movie career since appearing as Monica Geller on Friends, which skyrocketed her to international prominence (Credit: Faye Sadou / Media Punch / INSTARimages / Warner Bros. TV)
Notably, she starred in and directed episodes of Cougar Town, which enjoyed a triumphant run from 2009 to 2015. In 2014, she made her directorial debut with the feature film Just Before I Go.
In 2022, she returned to television with the Starz comedy-horror series Shining Vale. Fans also saw her back as Gale Weathers in Scream VI in 2023, a role she’s played in every franchise installment since its inception in 1996.
Away from the spotlight, she maintained a friendly co-parenting relationship with her ex-husband, David Arquette, sharing a daughter named Coco. In an intriguing twist, she reunited with him on-screen for Scream, the fifth installment of the iconic slasher film franchise in 2022.
3. Lisa Kudrow: The Quirky Phoebe Buffay and Her $130 Million Empire
Lisa Kudrow stepped into the role of Phoebe Buffay, a quirky character that offered laughter in the most dramatic moments. After a series of tumultuous relationships, she found her happily ever after with Mike Hannigan.
Standing tall at 5 feet and 8 inches (172.7 cm), her career blossomed after the sitcom era, seamlessly transitioning into various roles. She remained a force on television, with notable parts in series such as Cougar Town, Scandal, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Comeback, and Web Therapy.
Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, is pictured in a recent event (left) and in a classic scene from the show (right) (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images / Warner Bros. TV)
She also made her mark on the big screen with notable roles in films such as The Girl on the Train (2016), Long Shot (2019), Like a Boss (2020), and Better Nate Than Ever (2022).
Outside of work, she’s been married to advertising executive Michel Stern since 1995. Together, they are parents to their son Julian, who graduated from the University of Southern California in 2021.
4. David Schwimmer: Ross Geller’s Legacy and a $120 Million Career
With a towering height of 6 feet and 1 inch (185.4 cm), David Schwimmer breathed life into Ross Geller, a paleontologist who became a professor. He had a rollercoaster romance with Rachel Green and made choices that we didn’t always see eye-to-eye.
The 56-year-old actor’s talent transcended his Friends character in a remarkable shift. In 2016, he showcased his versatility with his portrayal of the late defense attorney Robert Kardashian in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
David Schwimmer, known for his role as Ross Geller on Friends, is shown in a recent interview (left) and in a memorable scene from the show (right) (Credit: Isabel Infantes / PA Images / INSTARimages / Warner Bros. TV)
David Schwimmer continued to excel in various roles, including a standout seven-episode arc in the second season of the Will & Grace reboot. He’s also widely recognized for his voice work in the Madagascar film series and his role in the Apple TV+ series Extrapolations.
In addition to his acting, Schwimmer starred in and co-created the British cybercrime comedy Intelligence alongside Nick Mohammed, further showcasing his versatility and creativity in the industry.
Among the male Friends stars, David Schwimmer is the tallest at 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm), followed by Matthew Perry at 5 feet 11 ¼ inches (181 cm), and Matt LeBlanc is the shortest at 5 feet 9 ½ inches (176.5 cm) (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
In his personal life, David was married to British artist Zoë Buckman from 2010 to 2017, and together, they welcomed a daughter named Cleo in 2011.
5. Matthew Perry: Chandler Bing’s Journey and His $120 Million Net Worth
Famously commitment-phobic Chandler Bing, portrayed by Matthew Perry, found love with Monica Geller in Season 4. Their journey from college buddies to cautious lovers who eventually embraced a deep connection became a highlight of the show.
At an impressive 5 feet and 11 ¼ inches (181 cm), his career explored diverse horizons, leading to an astounding net worth of $120 million. Matthew Perry passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. At the time of his death, Perry’s wealth was reported to include around $1.6 million in his bank account, as revealed in an inventory and appraisal document filed by Lisa Ferguson, one of the trustees of his estate.
Perry established a $1 million trust in 2009 named the Alvy Singer Living Trust, after Woody Allen’s character in Annie Hall. Ferguson and Robin Ruzan were designated as co-executors of his estate.
Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, is shown in a recent photo (left) alongside a classic moment from the show (right) (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images / Warner Bros. TV)
Matthew starred alongside Hollywood icons, such as Bruce Willis, in the successful comedy The Whole Nine Yards in 2000. He returned to television, appearing in shows like The Good Wife, Go On, The Odd Couple, and Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip.
Beyond the spotlight, Matthew Perry conquered personal battles with addiction and committed to assisting those in similar struggles. His 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” openly explores fame, substance abuse, and personal growth.
In the romance department, he had a long-term relationship with actress Lizzy Caplan from 2006 to 2012. He was also engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz from November 2020 to June 2021.
6. Matt LeBlanc: Joey Tribbiani’s Enduring Charm and an $85 Million Wealth
In the role of soap opera heartthrob Joey Tribbiani, Matt LeBlanc could have leaned into stereotypes. Yet, he portrayed the character with kindness, charm, and depth, elevating Joey beyond a superficial womanizer and making the iconic catchphrase “How you doin’?” his own.
Like his fellow castmates, the 56-year-old, standing 5 feet and 9 ½ inches (176.5 cm), received a jaw-dropping paycheck from his role as Joey, contributing to his impressive net worth.
Matt LeBlanc, famous for his role as Joey Tribbiani on Friends, is seen in a recent photo (left) and during a classic scene from the show (right), showcasing his enduring charm over the years (Credit: Munawar Hosain / Startraksphoto / Warner Bros. TV)
Matt continued his journey beyond Friends. He starred in the spinoff series Joey, taking his character’s acting career to Los Angeles. Though it lasted only two seasons, from 2004 to 2006, he didn’t stop there.
He starred in Showtime’s comedy Episodes from 2011 to 2017, clinching a 2012 Golden Globe Award for his role. His stint on the CBS series Man with a Plan, which secured a People’s Choice Award, spanned four seasons from 2016 to 2020.
While his character Joey’s journey was filled with romantic escapades, Matt’s off-screen life includes the role of a devoted father to his daughter, Marina, from his marriage to Melissa McKnight from 2003 to 2006.